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MSP ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY GROUPS TO ‘PLUNGE IN’

NEW FUND LAUNCHED FOR ‘YEAR OF COASTS & WATERS’

MSP for the Angus South Constituency, Graeme Dey, has welcomed the announcement of a new £150,000 fund to help community groups celebrate Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 – encouraging applications from groups in the area.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is marking the year with the launch of the ‘Plunge In!’ Coasts and Waters Community Fund, offering a range of grants – from small pots for schools and youth groups to awards of up to £10,000.

Applications are now open for community-led ideas that will engage and connect more people with our seas, coasts, lochs, rivers, streams, and wetlands, as well as their unique wildlife.

Projects might include plans for restoring habitats, carrying out local surveys, or promoting and celebrating local environment or wildlife. They should also leave a legacy, for example through improved skills and knowledge or the creation of a community resource.

Smaller grants of up to £500 will also be available to allow groups of young people to connect with nature by visiting one of Scotland’s many stunning national or local nature reserves.

Welcoming the launch of the fund, Mr Dey said:

“I’m delighted that this funding is being made available, and would encourage the many community groups already doing fantastic work of this sort across Angus South to apply.

“Ours is a coastal region with a great deal to offer, and I am hopeful that the Year of Coasts and Waters will serve to bring us all closer to the natural treasures right on our doorstep.

“Applications are open until 28 February. I have no doubt that committed and passionate groups across our communities could make a real difference with the money on offer.”

SNH Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said:

“As Scotland’s nature agency, we’re really excited about the Year of Coasts and Waters. There is so much to celebrate about our coastlines and waterways, and we want to encourage and inspire people to explore and enjoy them as much as possible throughout this year and beyond.

“We know communities up and down the country will also want to celebrate the year in their own way, but we recognise that some might lack the resources to do so. This new fund is a fantastic opportunity for groups to get involved, be creative, help their local environment and wildlife, and improve our coasts and waters.

“We hope it will help secure a real and lasting legacy for the year in communities across Scotland, as well as allow many more young people to connect with nature in some of our most beautiful places.”

The fund is a first in a series of celebratory events and projects that SNH will be revealing throughout the Year of Coasts and Waters.

Led by VisitScotland, this will sustain and build upon the momentum of preceding themed years to spotlight, celebrate, and promote opportunities to experience and enjoy Scotland’s unrivalled Coasts and Waters – encouraging responsible engagement and participation from residents and visitors alike.

Full information on applying to the ‘Plunge In!’ Coasts and Waters Community Fund can be found on the webpage linked below: